3/10 Recap: Knapp, Amerks extend streaks

Written By Kris Baker on Sunday, March 11, 2012 | 3/11/2012

Connor Knapp made 21 saves Saturday as Miami advanced to the CCHA semifinals with a 4-1 win over Michigan State. Knapp, who has now won seven straight starts, is 12-2 with five shutouts since January 1st while allowing one or none in all 12 of the wins. The RedHawks will now wait for the outcome of Sunday's Ferris State/Bowling Green tilt to see who they'll play on Friday at the Joe.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his 28th goal of the year as Rimouski was doubled by Blainville-Boisbriand, 4-2. Leduc has scored goals in two straight, bringing him within two points of Kevin Sundher in the race for the prospects scoring title with two games left to play.

Mark Pysyk picked up an an assist to extend his point streak to three games as Edmonton toppled Red Deer, 7-4. The victory gives the Oil Kings 101 points, making them the first WHL club to hit triple digits this season.

Dan Catenacci went without a point for the third straight game as Owen Sound was shut out by Sarnia, 4-0. Catenacci sits with 33 goals and 71 points with three games to play. Stud 2012 prospect Nail Yakupov left the game in the second period after getting blown up by Attack captain Mike Halmo as he crossed the middle.

Nathan Lieuwen made 36 saves but Kootenay came up short in the final period for the second straight night in a 3-2 loss to Spokane. The game's #2 star, Lieuwen weathered the storm in a busy third until the Chiefs beat him for two goals in a span of 30-seconds with less than seven minutes to play.

In Finland, Joel Armia fired nine shots in Assat's 2-1 win over Tappara. The 6'3 wing is stuck at 18 goals with two regular season games remaining.

Elsewhere, Brad Eidsness got the start in the North Dakota net, making 23 saves to earn the game's #3 star as the Sioux finished off Bemidji State, 4-3. The defending back-to-back champions, North Dakota advances to next weekend's WCHA Final Five to face a yet to be determined opponent.

Brad Navin pumped two shots on net as Wisconsin was overcome by Denver, 3-1. The teams will play a third and deciding game Sunday at Magness for the right to advance to the Final Five next week in St. Paul.

Colin Jacobs finished -2 as Seattle suffered through an 11-3 drubbing by Portland. The big center has gone nine games without scoring a goal.

Alex Lepkowski played even as Barrie blanked Belleville, 3-0. Gregg Sutch was given a night off to rest some bumps and bruises

Justin Jokinen recorded four shots on goal as Minnesota State saw their season end with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Duluth in overtime. Chosen in the 4th round of the 2008 draft, the 6'3 forward ends his Mavericks career with 18 goals and 39 points in 124 games.

Kevin Sundher remained out of action (concussion) as Brandon edged Saskatoon, 2-1.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the eighth straight game as Minnesota defeated Alaska-Anchorage, 7-3.

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While Marcus Foligno was busy scoring his first NHL goal in the Sabres Saturday night win at Ottawa, the Amerks were rather active themselves receiving marks from six different players en route to a 6-1 rout of Binghamton.

Travis Turnbull paced the winners with a goal and two assists. Mark Voakes dished his way to three helpers. Alex Biega, Maxime Legault, Derek Whitmore, Paul Szczechura and Shaone Morrisonn also scored for Rochester. David Leggio finished with 17 saves while holding the B-Sens scoreless for nearly 55-minutes

Yes, I did see that. Seems they feel same way I do about his potential. Everything grades out well. I don't want to over-analyze the physical aspect of the game. He uses his body and plays an honest game. He should bring quite a bit of value to the blueline. Learns quick. Just needs to stay healthy.

I love when people criticize stuff that they're getting for free and that they have no reason to expect to get in the first place. How many other teams have a site like this one? You do an awesome job here Kris, keep up the great work.

Not that Kris needs anyone defending him, but the first comment is really ludicrous. First off, the notion of a blogger "giving up" on someone because they only recorded his feats in one place (the stats page) and not two (the regular entries) is really melodramatic and irritating. Second of all, this site is produced by one person, who presumably is paid nothing or very little for the endeavor, and is free for the consumer. So there's no professional obligation for comprehensive coverage. He covers what he can (which is a lot) and hopes it's useful to his readers -- sounds admirable to me.

Appreciate the kind words from readers. Part of what makes this site so much fun for me is that people are legitimately "interested" in the progress of these players. Palffy hit the nail on the head - my only mission is to make this place useful. In the spirit of equal time and feedback, I'll do what I can to give Schiestel's fans the proper updates.

To be clear, I've hardly given up on Schiestel. This site was the only spot that respected his abilities when he was in the O and just a few weeks ago I ranked him in the top-10 despite the sub-par season.

You do great work Kris. On another note from your post, I love that we have a 6'6" goaltender that takes up space and is excelling in his league in Knapp. Considering we keep all four of our first and second rounders, any goalies you like?

7:12 - If I'm GM of the Sabres, I'm looking at at goalies. Miller can walk in a couple of years. I'm all about creating competition for the next guy in line. I actually have the draft preview targets all set. There is a goalie I like a lot....

Boos -Devine operates as an "Asst. GM" in the sense that he oversees all activity in Rochester. His primary function remains as that of Director of Amateur Scouting. Regier also has an "assistant to the GM", Mark Jakubowski, who I believe contributes greatly as a capologist.

In the war room on deadline day...It's fair to assume that Regier's direct reports and the local pro scouting staff were present, along with Mr. Pegula who clearly wants to run this business like he with previous endeavors - using a clear understanding and a willingness to try different things.